36 PISH AND GAMK COM:\riSSION 



REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF GAME CONSERVATION 



IJy J. S. IIUNTliH, Chief 



Tlie bieniiiiuu fov .July 1, 1936-Jime 30, 1938, Avas i)articularly 

 uuleworthy I'ur tiie umisiial climatic conditions that prevailed through- 

 out the State. The fall and early winter of 1936 was generally warm 

 with scant rainfall. Decejnber turned cold and with copious rains 

 well above normal. The early months of 1937 were particularly cold 

 and at higher elevation the snowfall lieavy. In the northeastern part 

 of the State, the thermometer recorded the lowest temperature ever 

 experienced reaching more than 40 degrees below zero. Excessive told 

 prevailed throughout the entire mountain areas. 



The very low temperatures and heavy snowfall caused consider- 

 able loss of game. The antelope herd wintering in eastern Lassen and 

 across the line in Nevada was severely hit. Survey of winter areas 

 made from air and on the ground gave reason to believe that the loss 

 may have been as high as 25 per cent. IMule deer had a hard time 

 also, but suft'ered nowhere near as badly as antelope. 



The fall of 1937 also opened warm and dry; especially so in the 

 southern part of the State. November brought heavy rains in the 

 north, but the south experienced the driest condition on record until 

 unprecedented storms in the spring months. Temperatures were high, 

 seldom reaching zero where previous winters 40 degrees below was not 

 uncommon. 



The abundant rainfall with good growing temperatures has 

 resulted in the best feed conditions for many years. Many of the 

 lakes and marsh areas in the high plateau sections that have been 

 dry, or practically so, are now restored. Areas believed destroyed 

 by overgrazing are now in good condition showing that the overgrazed 

 condition was brought about probably as much from underwatering 

 as from any other cause. 



Tulare Lake at the end of June, 1938, had more than 200 square 

 miles of surface, Buena Vista more than 50. Honey Lake tilled to 

 practically a maximum level and covered more than 100 square miles. 

 Goose Lake is nearly three-fourths full. Even in the extreme dry jpor- 

 tions of the State bordering Death Valley, the springs are unusually 

 strong — enough flow to carry water a considerable distance from its 

 source. All of these improved water conditions have brought about 

 better game environment and if it is true that we are entering a cycle 

 of normal or better than normal rainfall, we can look into the future 

 with hope and optimism. 



The waterfowl situation in California is by no means satisfactory 

 to anyone. The policy of the Federal authorities in not fixing a 

 definite date for the opening of the duck and goose season has resulted 

 in much criticism hx those still interested in hunting of waterfowl. 



